Really have mixed feelings on this. I've watched the game for . . .

25 years at levels from 10U to pro and may have seen 3 incidents where a pitcher's mask mattered. That said I have no problem with a pitcher wearing one. On the other hand I've been to some youth games in last few years where every player on the field has mask. Does their brother playing LL baseball wear one? Does a softball have a greater exit speed than a baseball? You know the answers. There is discussion below about decline in youth softball participation. Let's see. Softball = long pants + mask. Soccer = shorts. Volleyball = lululemon shorts. Hmmmmm . . .
On the other hand I would require all my batters to wear masks not just to protect them from the pitched ball but their own batted ball. I've seen numerous noses and cheekbones shattered by foul balls on failed bunt attempts and full swings.

In response to this post by 133921Hokie

Posted: 03/29/2022 at 2:40PM

So, I have a question for the softball experts. -- 133921Hokie 03/29/2022 10:13AM

It’s been coming up for several years now, but there’s TV as well -- VTsportscaster 03/29/2022 11:26PM

Really have mixed feelings on this. I've watched the game for . . . -- MidloHokie 03/29/2022 2:40PM

Masks have become much more of a fear mitigation tool than safety device -- HokieAllMyLife 03/29/2022 2:58PM

I still have a scar from getting spiked on a double play attempt at 2nd -- Nortazhokie 03/29/2022 4:39PM

Sexism much? I doubt there's an outcry to masked-up the boys when . . -- MidloHokie 03/29/2022 3:02PM

True but it is also true female athletes get hurt more often than male -- Nelsonia Hokie 03/29/2022 3:43PM

My experience is that yes there is, but it abates soon after -- Vienna_Hokie 03/29/2022 3:24PM

I catch most of the games on the web....try it. They are fun to watch. ** -- NMB Hokie 03/29/2022 2:24PM

I didn’t see it, but there was a good local HS -- GCHokieof91 03/29/2022 1:54PM

Players choice but between the speed of the pitches to bat speed and the -- HburgHokie5 03/29/2022 12:27PM

Well, actually bats are less hot than they were 20 years ago . . . -- MidloHokie 03/29/2022 3:10PM

True but they still are pretty hot plus I think the athletes keep getting -- HburgHokie5 03/30/2022 09:35AM

No question hitters are better now. Look at all-time strikeout . . -- MidloHokie 03/30/2022 12:15PM

Some of the old DeMarini bats were ridiculously hot. ** -- Nortazhokie 03/29/2022 4:41PM

Yep; can you say checked swing home runs? ** -- MidloHokie 03/29/2022 6:11PM

Needs to be mandated for P, 3B,1B. It's gotten really dangerous at -- Razor4VT 03/29/2022 10:48AM

What really needs to be mandated is a safety base!! ** -- VT_AD 03/29/2022 10:55AM

Agree, absolutely no change to the game and big risk reduction -- Vienna_Hokie 03/29/2022 3:02PM

I agree but I wouldn't mandate for 3B, P, or 1B, I like personal choice. ** -- hokietony 03/29/2022 11:59AM

Agree on the masks ** -- VT_AD 03/29/2022 12:39PM

In college it's personal preference -- VT_AD 03/29/2022 10:44AM

Lemley wears one. Did not notice any others. -- Jbohokie63 03/29/2022 10:27AM

VT's pitchers... -- hokiehigh2000 03/29/2022 10:25AM

Really have mixed feelings on this. I've watched the game for . . .

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